Hygienic devices



HYGIENIC DEVICES Filed Aug. 5, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 BY m l 5 ATTORNEYSOct. 17, J A. VOSS HYGIENIC DEVICES Filed Aug. 5, 1964 2 Sheets-Sheet 2INVENTOR.

F/. 9 JOSEPH A. vo'ss ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,347,234HYGHENIC DEVICES Joseph A. Voss, 1223 Race St., Apt. 906, Denver, Colo.S0206 Fiied Aug. 5, 1964, Ser. No. 387,590 15 Claims. (Cl. 12S-260) Thepresent invention generally relates to hygienic devices and moreparticularly to improved hygienic applicators for catamenial tampons orsuppositories.

Various devices for catamenial and suppository purposes have beenproposed for the sanitary injection of absorbent or medicinal media intobody cavities. Such devices usually comprise the hygienic media andapplicators for delivery of the hygienic media. Such applicators aregenerally cylindrical in cross section so as to conform generally to thecross-sectional configuration of lthe body cavities into which they areto be inserted.

Certain improved hygienic devices described in copending United Statespatent application Ser. No. 266,914 led Mar. 21, 1963 for HygienicDevices, issued Sept. 7, 1965, as U.S. yPatent No. 3,204,635 in thenames of Joseph A. Voss and Carl W. Johnson, include applicators havinga tapered forward end which facilitates initial entry and continuedpenetration of body cavities. During use of the improved hygienicdevices set forth in the copending United States application, Ser. No.266,914, now Patent 3,204,635 hygienic media can be ejected from theapplicator with a relatively small amount of force, with the taperedforward end of the applicator being opened during ejection. However, itwould be desirable to reduce further the amount of force required forejection, since this would have important and favorable influence oncustomer approval and usage of the devices.

During use of an hygienic device it is important to be able to grip theapplicator portion of the device securely and to guide it easily intothe body cavity within which the particular hygienic medium is to bedeposited. This is particularly true when hygienic media are to bedelivered to the vagina and the anus, since in such instances a portionor all of the applicator is out of a direct line of vision. Applicatorswhich are clumsy or complicated to handle or are slippery interfere withproper and rapid delivery of hygienic media to desired body cavities andtend to discourage their continued use. It is of primary importance tothe user to be able to manipulate the hygienic device readily butsecurely and to be able to judge the relative positions of therespective portions of the applicator, Whenever visual orientation isinconvenient or inadequate. Moreover, it will be noted that whenever anhygienic applicator is difiicult to grip securely, due to its bulkynature, slipperiness or other defect, the tendency of the user is toapply an increased gripping force on the body of the applicator. In someinstances, the gripping force is suicient to deform partially the wallsof the applicator and in devices which employ applicators havingtelescoping inner and outer tubes, the effort required to eject thehygienic medium may be increased considerably so that the utility of thedevice is depreciated substantially. Accordingly, it would be desirableto provide an hygienic applicator which can be gripped and manipulatedeasily, and with which the user can gauge readily the relative positionsof the components f the applicator.

Also, it is desirable to provide hygienic applicators with effectivemeans of sealing the same so as to avoid the possibility ofcontamination of hygienic media which are adapted to be containedtherein. As particularly described in the co-pending United Statespatent application, Ser. No. 266,914 now Patent 3,204,635 identifiedabove, this problem is overcome by providing an im- 3,347,234 PatentedOct. 17, 1967 proved hygienic applicator for an hygienic device. Agenerally cylindrical portion of the applicator -has a closed, generallyconical forward end which opens to deliver an hygienic medium from thehygienic device to the desired body cavity. Thus, the described forwardend acts as a seal against contamination of an hygienic medium containedWithin the tube before use of the device and also improves the ease,smoothness and rapidity Wit-h which the tube can be inserted into thedesired body cavity for delivery of the hygienic medium. In order toimprove further the smoothness and efliciency of such a device, it isdesirable to have the conically shaped forward end of the outer tubeopen under as little force as possible. If relatively thin paper,paperboard, plastic or the like is used as the fabrication material forthe tube, the generally conical closed forward end of the outer tube canbe opened under a minimum amount of force. However, the outer tube wallis weak and is deformable inwardly under linger gripping presure veryreadily during use of the hygienic device. Accordingly, binding is morelikely to occur between the outer tube and an inner tube portion of theapplicator, which inner tube telescopes within the outer tube duringejection of the hygienic medium from the device. Any such bindingincreases the amount of force required to eject the hygienic medium anddefeats the purpose of the thinner walled outer tube.

It should be noted that the foregoing problem is encountered whenevertelescoping inner and outer tubes are utilized in applicators ofhygienic devices, whether the forward ends thereof are closed or open,so long as light weight materials are employed in the fabrication of theouter tube. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a simple andrelatively inexpensive way of overcoming such problem, so as to permitthe use of inexpensive, relatively thin outer tubes in applicators ofhygienic devices without the usual attendant difficulties.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the present invention toprovide an improved hygienic device and improved applicator portionsthereof.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide improvements inhygienic applicators so that hygienic media can be ejected therefromwith less force than heretofore.

It is a Ifurther object of the present invention to provide an improvedhygienic applicator which includes means for strengthening inherentlyweak outer tube components thereof so as to prevent collapsing thereofduring use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide improvedmeans for strengthening components of hygienic applicators and forimproving the ease with which the applicators can be vgripped and used,even when visual observation is obscured.

The foregoing objects and other objects are achieved by the presentinvention which comprises an improved hygienic device employin-g animproved applicator for ejecting the hygienic medium contained therein.The applicator includes a ring secured to the outer surface of asubstantially cylindrical outer tube member. The ring not only acts as atactile indexing and improved gripping means for the applicator, but hasthe advantage of inhibiting inward deformation of the outer tube underfinger .gripping pressure during use of the device, even though theouter tube may be weak and thin walled. When the ring is used, the outertube can be made sufciently thin so as to increase substantially theease with which a generally conically shaped forward end thereof, suchas is disclosed in United States .patent application, Ser. No. 266,914,now Patent 3,204,635, can be opened during ejection of an hygienicmedium from the hygienic device. Thus7 the smoothness, ease andefficiency of use of such a device are improved.

outer tube, constructed of a central lamination of thin kraft paper, athin outer lamination of polyethylene m, and a thin inner lamination ofaluminum foil. The outer tube has a conically shaped forward end formedof a plurality of tightly abutting dove-tailed folds separated by foldlines. .A cellulosic catamenial tampon is disposed within the outertube, the forward end of which tampon conforms to that of the outertube.

Behind the tampon in the outer tube is disposed. an inner tube portionof the applicator, which inner tube telescopes and is inslidingengagement with the outer tube. The inner tube is fabricated of an innerlamination of thin kraft paper of the same type as used forthe outertube and an outer lamination of thin polyethylene film, also of thesametype as used for the outer tube.

In order kto `strength the outer tube and prevent binding thereof withthe inner tube, as by finger gripping pressure during ejection of thehygienic medium, the outer tube is provided with a strengthening ring.'IIhe ring is fabricated of paperboard, rubber, emeryboard, paper,plastic or the like and preferably is thicker than the wall of the outertube. Preferably the ring is formed in a continuousl piece, althoughsuchring also may be formed from a strip. It is secured to the outersurface of the outer tube, as by adhesive or the like, adjacent the rearend thereof and serves as a substantial strengthening means for the tubeand also asa tactile indexing means and non-slip ngengripping means.Thus, the hygienic device includes an improved applicator which impartsto the device an improved efficiency of performance, including theimproved ease with which a tampon or other hygienic medium'can vbeejected from the device into the desired body cavity.

Further features and advantages of the present invention will beapparent from a study of the following detailed description and theaccompanying drawings, of which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a catamenial tampondevice incorporating features of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal section of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a side elevation of the catamenial device of FIG. 1,illustrating the opening of the forward conical end of the outer tubethereof during passage of a tampon therethrough;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating the catamenial device of FIG.1 with a tampon fully ejected therefrom;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross section of the innerand outer tubes of the applicator of the device of FIG. 1, illustratingthe laminated construction thereof;

FIG. 6 is a perspective View of a preferred embodiment of a suppositorydevice incorporating features of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the inner tube of the device of FIG. 6,illustrating particularly the end thereof;

FIG. 8 is a longitudinal section of the device of FIG. 6; and

FIG. 9 is an enlarged fragmentary schematic cross section of the innerand outer tu-bes of the applicator of the device of FIG. 6, illustratingthe laminated construction thereof.

Now referring more particularly to FIGS. 1-5 of the accompanyingdrawings, a preferred embodiment of a catamenial tampon device 10incorporating features of the present invention is illustrated. Thedevice 10 includes. an hygienic applicator 11, a portion of which is ahollow, generally cylindrical outer tube 12 which is relatively thinwalled and inherently weak and which includes a generally conicalforward end 14. The forward end `14 can be inserted very easily andrapidly into the vagina without discomfort or irritation to the user.

The device 10 also includes a cellulosic cotton tampon 16 or fhe likewith a drawstring connected to the rear end thereof and extendingrearwardly therefrom. As shown in FIGS. 2-4, inclusive, the forward endof the tampon 16 conforms to that of the outer tube 12 and the tampon isdisposed in the forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 before use. Theapplicator 11 also includes a tamponejecting inner tube 20 disposedwithin the outer tube 12 rearward of the tampon. The inner tube 20 ishollow and generally cylindrical, and has a slightly smaller externaldiameter than the internal diameter of the outer tube 12, so that thetube 20 can telescope readily within the tube 12, with the outer surface22 of the inner tube 20 in sliding engagement with the inner surface 24of the outer tube 12, during ejection of the tampon 16 from the forwardend 14 of the outer tube 12, as indicated in FIGS. 2-4, inclusive, ofthe drawings.

The applicator 11 of the improved device 10 is characterized by astrengthening ring 26 connected to the outer surface of the outer tube12 adjacent the rear end 28 thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1-4. The ring 26is made separate and apart from the outer tube 12 and is connectedthereto, by adhesive or thelike (not shown). The ring 26 can befabricated from any suitablematerial, such as paper, paperboard, rubber,emeryboard, plastic, metal, ceramic or the like. It can be connectedadjacent the rear end 28 of the vouter tube 12, as by adhesive material,or by other means such as fusion thereof tothe outer surface ofthe outertube (in the case where the outer tube and/ or ring are fabricated ofsmooth, flexible thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene or thelike).

Preferably, the ring 26, as shown in FIGS. 1-4, inclusive, is made inone continuous piece. However, the ring also is effective if it is madeas a thin strip which then is joined end to end before or duringapplication to the outer tube 12 in order to form the ring 26.Preferably but not necessarily the ring is of a greater thickness andstrength than the wall 30 of the tuber 12. The ring 26 is relativelyinexpensive and simple, and it permits the suc cesful use of relativelythin inexpensive material in the fabrication of the outer tube 12.Accordingly, the ring 26 reduces costs of manufacture of t-he device 10while improving the openability of the forward end 14 of the outer tube12 under a minimum amount of force during ejection of the tampon 16. Itwill be understood that the ring 26 can be applied to the outer` tube atany time after Yfabrication and before use thereof, or beforefabrication of the outer tube into its finished form, i.e. beforeformation of the generally conical forward end 14.

The tapered, generally conicalforward end 14 of the outer tube may bepartially frusto-conical, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, and preferably isformed from a generally uniform cylinder which is worked so as to have aplurality` of tightly abutting, symmetrically disposed .folds 32arranged in a dove-tailed configuration, as clearly illustrated in FIGS.1-4. Suchdove-tailed configuration provides the forward end 14 of theouter tube 12 with a smooth and substantially continuous outer surfacewhich minimizes frictional resistance of the forward end 14 with tissueslining the vagina during insertion of the outer tube 12, and thusprevents irritation of the vagina and eliminates the possibility ofdiscomfort and infection as a result thereof. Moreover, the smooth,generally conical forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 is attractiveassuch, which encourages use of the device 10, and is deceptively slimin appearance, which encourages selection of forms of the device 10containing tampons which are of adequate diameter and volume to providelong-continued menstrual flow-absorbing action, in contrast with certainother4 catamenial devices.

The generally conically shaped forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 canbe fabricated as more particularly set forth in the co-pending UnitedStates patent application,

Ser. No. 266,914, now Patent 3,204,635 identified above.-

Thus, for example, the tube material lying on fold lines 34 betweenadjacent folds 32 at the forward end 14 can be sufficiently weakened byrepeated folding and unfolding thereof so that in the finished productlittle forward thrust or force need be applied to the inner tube inorder to eject the tampon 16 from the forward end 14. However, in mostinstances, a suciently thin walled outer tube 12 can be used, due to thestrengthening effect of the ring 26, so that the folding and unfoldingoperation need not be employed to weaken further the inherently weakwall 30 of the outer tube 12 in order to minimize the forward thrust orforce necessary to eject the tampon 16 from the tube 12.

The forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 can be said to be unilaterally0r unidirectionally openable in that it will not deform inwardly fromits closed position before use, particularly because of the position ofthe shaped tampon 16 therein, but such forward end 14 open outwardlyvery readily under the urging of the tampon 16. The forward end 14 ofthe outer tube 12 during ejection of the tampon 16 is unfolded to theinitial prefolded form without substantial distortion, compression orother dam- -age to the tampon 16 during such ejection, particularlybecause of the relatively thin and weak nature of the material fromwhich the forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 is fabricated.Accordingly, fraying of the outer tube 12 and tampon 16 are avoided. Thetube wall 30 does not deform inwardly before ejection of the tampon 16,as previously described, and also resists inward deformation duringejection of the tampon 416 due to the strengthening effect of the ring26. The outer tube 12 retains its slim attractive shape and the tightlyabutting folds thereof present a desirable finished appearance and auniformly smooth surface to the touch. Accordingly, the device iscompact, highly functional and attractive.

Material from which the outer tube is to be fabricated is selected suchthat it will improve, by reason of its weakness, the openability of theforward end of the outer tube. Such material is'usually so inherentlyweak as to be deformable readily under finger pressure during use of thedevice. However, the ring 26, when applied thereto adjacent the rear endthereof, increases the strength of the wall 30 sufficiently so that thewall '30 retains its form and shape during normal use and even whensubstantial finger pressure is applied thereto.

The inner tube 201 is sufficiently long, with respect to the outer tube12, so that it can be used as a plunger or tampon-ejecting means and canbe telescoped forwardly through the outer tube 12 to extend from theforward conical end 14 thereof, as shown in IFIG. 4. The inner tube 20preferably is provided with a relieved forward end 36 which minimizesbinding of fibers of the tampon 16 between the adjoining walls of thatinner tube 20 and the outer tube 12 during such telescoping. Thus, theforward end 36 of the inner tube 20 for a preselected length has asmaller diameter than the remainder of the inner tube 20. In the case ofa catamenial device, the relieved portion 36 preferably is formed with atapered shoulder 38 and an open ended small diameter terminus 40. Suchshoulder 38 and terminus 40 may be formed of a plurality of tightlyabutting dove-tailed folds 42, as more particularly described inco-pending patent application Ser. No. 266,914 now Patent 3,204,635.

Both the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 12 can be fabricated of anysuitable foldable material, for example, a cellulosic fibrous materialsuch as paper, paperboard, cardboard, or plastic, rubber or the like, ora combination or lamination of such materials such as plastic coatedpaper, foil coated paper, foil and plastic coated paper or the like. Theinner and outer tubes can be fabricated of the same or different typesof material but the material utilized for both mus-t be capable of beingfolded readily and, in the case of the outer tube, must be sufficientlyweak so that the forward end 14 of the outer tube 12 unfolds readilyunder a minimum amount of force during passage of the tampon 16forwardly therethrough.

As an example, as shown in FIG. 5, the outer tube 12 can be fabricatedof an intermediate layer 44 of relatively thin kraft paper with an eventhinner outer layer 46 of smooth polyethylene plastic film bondedthereto for improved appearance and ease of insertion of the tube 12into the vaginal cavity. If desired, the inner surface 24 of the outertube 12 may be provided with a thin layer 48 of aluminum foil or thelike bounded to the intermediate layer 44. The layer 48 improves theslidability and ease of telescoping of the inner tube 20 within theouter tube 12.

Also as an example, the inner tube 20 can be fabricated with an innerlayer 50 of thin kraft paper and an outer layer 52 of plastic or thelike to improve the slideability of the inner tube 20 within the outertube 12. Such components of typical laminates utilized in the inner andouter tubes have a tendency to be strippable very easily from oneanother after the device 10 is discarded, so as to facilitate permanentdisposal thereof.

The device 10 also may be provided with means S4 to stabilize theposition of the inner tube 20 within the outer tube 12. For example,means 54 may 4be in the form of relatively small detents 56 or apsextending downwardly and forwardly from the outer tube 12 to the innertube 20. These detents inhibit rearward withdrawal of the inner tube 20from the outer tube 12, but do not inhibit forward movement of the innertube 20 relative to theY outer tube 12.

The outer tube 12, the inner tube 29, the tampon 14 and detents 56 canbe provided essentially as set forth in detail in co-pending UnitedStates patent application Ser. No. 266,914, now Patent 3,204,635 or inany other manner which accomplishes the purposes of the presentinvention, and which provides the inner and outer tubes and tampon withthe desired configuration and ease of use.

As more particularly described in co-pending United States patentapplication Ser. No. 266,914, the outer tube first may be crimped orpartially folded adjacent one end thereof to a generally conical orSteeple shape, with a plurality of dove-tailed folds symmetricallydisposed so as to have a substantially smooth, essentially continuous,generally conically shaped surface comprising a plurality of tightlyabutting dove-tailed folds. This can be accomplished through the use ofsuitably dimensioned and shaped sets of male and female dies, eitherhand operated or machine operated. lf desired, partial folding may bereplaced by full folding on such apparatus.

In like manner, the inner tube 20 can be folded into the desired shape,so as to provide a smaller diameter forward end to avoid binding betweenthe tampon 16, the inner tube 20 and the outer tube 12 at that end. Inthis regard, the contoured forward end 36 of the tube 20 can be formedfrom a plurality of tightly abutting dovetailed folds by means of a setof inner and outer dies and/or female or male dies either hand operatedor machine operated, and as described particularly in copending yUnitedStates application Ser. No. 266,914 now Patent 3,204,635.

In the finished form for `use in a preferred embodiment of the deviceincorporating features of the present invention, the forward end of theouter tube 12 has the desired generally conically shaped configurationformed of a plurality of symmetrically disposed dove-tailed foldstightly abutting one another and separated from one another by foldlines. The inner tube 20 has a reduced `diameter forward end 36 in theform of a tapered shoulder 38 with a reduced diameter terminus 40provided by a closely abutting plurality of dove-tailed folds shaped tothe desired configuration.

The tampon 16 can :be of any suitable size and shape and can be formedon any suitable conventional fabricating apparatus so that, preferably,its forward end is generally conically shaped to conform to that end ofthe outer tube 12.

Before, during or after formation of the forward end of the outer tube,as described, the ring 26 which affords irnpoved strength, tactileindexing and finger-gripping action for the device 10 can be disposedadjacent the rear end of the outer surface of the outer tube 12 of theapplicator 11.v The ring 26 can be stamped, molded or otherwise formed,either as a continuous smooth ring or as a fiat strip which is thenbonded, as by casein glue, animal glue or other adhesive material or thelike, to the outer surface of the outer tube to form the desired ring atthe desired location, as indicated in FIGS. 1-4. The tampon 16 then isdisposed within the forward portion of the outer tube 12 in the positionshown in FIG. 2, whereupon the inner tube 20 is inserted Within theouter tube 12 with the drawstring 18 extending rearwardly through thecavity in the inner tube 20, drawn as by suction or the like to thatposition. Thereafter, any detents 56 which it may be desired to disposein the device 10 in order to position the inner tube 20 positivelywithin the outer tube 12 can be formed by suitable cutters, punches orthe like so that the detents 56 are directed forwardly and inwardly, asindicated in FIGS. 1 4 vof the accompanying drawings. Now the device 10is assem-` bled fully and ready for use as a catamenial device. Outerpackaging also may be applied, if desired,'around the device, althoughthis is not necessary in view of the total closure and protectionafforded the tampon 16 by the outer tube 12.

When the finished device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4 is utilized, theuser grips the rear end portion of the outer tube between the thumb andmiddle finger of one hand, with the index finger positioned at the rearend of the inner` tube. The thumb and second (middle) finger arepositioned on opposite sides of the ring which acts as a non-slip fingergrip and tactile indexing means to establish the relative position ofthe inner and outer tubes. The forwardend 14 of the device 10 is thendirected against the vaginal orifice and is inserted therein, Whereuponthe device 10 is slid up within the vagina to the desired location, Theindex linger is then approximated to the thumb and second linger so asto push the tamponv 16 forward and out of the forward end 14 of theouter tube 12 and into the desired location in the vagina. The forwardend 14 of the tube 12 opens smoothly and very easily for this purpose.The applicator then is withdrawn from the vagina, leaving the tampon 16in place, with the drawstring 18 extending from the vagina forsubsequent withdrawal of the tampon 16.

During the indicated procedure, the ring 26 permits the user toascertain accurately the exact relative positions of the rear end of theouter tube 12 and the rear.

end of the inner tube 20, and thus to estimate how nearly complete theejection is. The ring 26 also affords the user a non-slip grip althoughthe remainder of the* outer tube may be very slippery. Of primaryimportance, the

ring 26 strengthens the weak, readily deformable outer.

tube 12, except in the region of the forward end 14. Accordingly, inwarddeformation of the tube 12 and binding against the inner tube 20 duringejection of the tampon are avoided. Accordingly, improved ease ofinsertion of the `devi-ce 10 and delivery of the tampon 16 are afforded.The forward end 14 of the device 10 opens under a smaller amount ofpressure than heretofore obtainable, the walls of the outer tube 12being thin and weak at that forward end 14. There is no necessity ofproviding slots or slits in the forward end of the outer tube 12 tofacilitate opening of the forward end, so that there is no necessity ofproviding separate closure means to keep closed the forward end of theouter tube before use of the device. Accordingly, substantial advantagesare obtained through the use of the` catamenial device incor poratingfeatures of the present invention.

A second embodiment of an improved device in accordance with the presentinvention is illustrated in FIGS. 6-9, inclusive, of the accompanyingdrawings. In those figures, a suppository device is illustrated which isof the same general configuration as the device 10 of FIGS. l-5, but issomewhat smaller and employs a vaginal or anal suppository instead of atampon. Those components of the suppository device which'are similar tothose of the device 10 are designated by the same numerals, but followedby the prime sign. In this regard, the device 10 includes an improvedapplicator 11. The applicator 11' includes an outer tube 12' generallysimilar to that of the device 10', including the dove-tailed foldedconical forward end 14', and an inner tube 20', detents 56 and ring 26'.Moreover, the general shape of the hygienic medium 16', in thi-s case asuppository, is similar to that of the tampon 16 of the device 10.

Als shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, whether the suppository device 10 is vaginalo r anal, the dove-tailed folded narrow diameter forward end 36preferably is closed, as by an end Wall 5S, rather than being open asinv the device 10. Moreover, end 36 preferably has only a taperedshoulder 38'. With such an arrangement, an annular space is providedbetween the edge of the forward end 36 of the inner tube 20 and theadjacent portion of the outer` tube 12. Accordingly, material from therear end of they suppository 16 does not bind between adjoining surfacesof the inner and outer tubes, so that passage of the suppository 16'through the outer tube 12' is facilitated. Moreover, the closed for-wardend 36 of the inner tube prevents penetration of the suppository 16'into the cavity within the inner tube 20'.'

The inner tube 20', the outer tube 12' and ring 26 are fabricated in amanner essentially similar to thatpreviously described for the innertube 20, kouter tube 12 and ring 26. Moreover, materials can be employedwhich are similar to those of the device 10. As an example, the outersurface 22 of the inner tube 20 is provided with a relatively thin,smooth, readily slidable layer 52 of aluminum foil, in place of thepreviously described film of polyethylene. The layer 52 is bonded to aninner layer S0 of kraft paper. The outer tube 12 is fabricated of a thinmiddle layer 44 of kraft paper, with a thin outer layer 46 and innerlayer 4S of aluminum foil bonded thereto. In addition, the ring 26' isfabricated of relatively thin firm rubber in place of the paper orpaperboard ring of the device 10. The ring 26 stabilizes and strengthensthe outer tube 12' so that the outer tube 12' can be relatively thinwalled. This, in turn, allows the conically shaped forward end 14"of theouter tube 12 to be kopenable more readily than would be the case with athicker, stiffer walled outer tube 12. Moreover, binding is inhibitedbetween the outer tube 12' and inner tube 20 so that the force requiredto eject the suppository is kept at a minimal level. Moreover, the ring26 indexes the outer tube with respect to the inner tube, and provides anon-slip finger grip therefor.

Also, it will be noted that the inner tube 20' is joined to the outer`tube 12 by matched detents 56 which extend downwardly and forwardlythrough the outer tube 12 and also the inner tube 20 (not shown) so asto inhibit rearward withdrawal of the inner tube 20 from the outer tube12 without intefering with the forward movement of the suppository `16in the outer tube 12 and out the conically shaped forward end 14'thereof.

Accordingly, a suppository device 10' which includes variousimprovements, particularly in the applicator 11 thereof, is provided.The improvement-s maximize ease of insertion of the device and thesuppository thereof and minimize the force necessary to deliver thesuppository.

It will be understood that the improved hygienic devices comprisedevices having applicators in the form of substantially cylindricalouter tubes and substantially cylindrical inner tubes slidably,telescopically and releasably engaged therewith and of slightly smallerouter diameter than the inner diameter of the outer tubes. Hygienicmedia are disposed between the forward end of the inner tube and forwardend of the outer tube in such devices and improved strengthening meansin the form of retaining rings are disposed on the outer sur-faces ofthe outer tubes adjacent the rear ends thereof. Such rings have theadvantage of tactily indexing the devices and of providing finger grips,in addition to strengthening the outer tubes so that the outer tube canbe formed of thinner, less expensive materials and still can be usedwithout binding between the inner .and outer tubes during telescopingthereof. Additionally, when an outer tube is employed which has aconically shaped forward end, as is preferred, the ring allo-ws theforward end of the outer tube to be openable more readily, inasmuch asweaker thinner material can be used in the fabrication of the outer tubeand its forward end.

Accordingly, the improved hygienic devices include catamenial devicesand suppository devices of the described types, each of which featuresimprovements in the smoothness and ease with which the devices can beoperated due to improved applicators for the devices.

Although particular catamenial devices and suppository devices have beendescribed herein in order to illustrate various manners in which thedevices can be utilized and constructed, it will be appreciated that thepresent invention is not limited to any such illustrations anddescriptions.V Accordingly, any and all modifications, alternatives andequivalent arrangements for such devices Which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims shall be considered a part of t-he presentinvention.

i What is claimed is:

1. Animproved hygienic applicator for an hygienic device, saidapplicator comprising, in combination, a substantially cylindrical,hollow, thin-walled first tubular member adapted -to contain an hygienicmedium, a second substantially cylindrical tubular member coaXially andreleasably disposed w-ithin said first tubular member adjacent the rearend thereof and telescoping therein to eject an hygienic medium from theforward end of said first tubular member, the outer surface of saidsecond tubular member being in sliding engagement with the inner surfaceof said first tubular member, said wall of said first tubular memberbeing sufficiently thin so that normally it is deformable readilyinwardly by finger pressure during said ejection, and a strengtheningring securedv to and disposed about the outer surface of said firsttubular member adjacent the rear end thereof, said ring beingsufficiently thick and strong s'o as to increase substantially theresistance of said first tubular member to said inward deformation,whereby the ease of ejection of said hygienic medium from said firsttubular member is increased.

2. An improved hygienic applicator for lan hygienic device, saidapplicator comprising, in combination, a first, substantiallycylindrical, hollow, thin-walled tubular member adapted to contain anhygienic medium, a second substantially cylindrical tubular membercoaxially and releasably disposed within said first tubular memberadjacent the rear end thereof and telescoping therein to eject anhygienic medium from the forward end of said first tubular member, thewall of said first tubular member being sufficiently thin so thatnormally it is readily deformable inwardly by finger pressure duringsaid ejection, whereby binding between said first Iand second tubularmembers increases the degree of force necessary to effect said ejection,and a substantially continuous ring disposed around and connected to theouter surface of said rst tubular member adjacent the rear end thereof,said ring being sufficiently thick and strong so as to increasesubstantially the resistance of said first tubular member to saiddeformation and so as to reduce substantially said binding, whereby theease with which said ejection is effected is increased substantially,said first tubular member having a substantially closed, generallyconically shaped, smooth surfaced forward end formed of a plurality oftightly abutting dovetailed folds adapted to unfold readily, due to saidthin wall, into a substantially tubular configuration as an hygienicmedium is being ejected therefrom while maintaining said medium insubstantially unaltered form.

3. The improved hygienic applicator of claim 2 wherein the inner surfaceof the first tubular member and the outer surface of said second tubularmember are covered with readily slidable material, whereby the forcenecessary to effect said ejection is decreased.

4. The improved hygienic applicator of claim 3 wherein the forward endof said second tubular member has a reduced diameter with respect to theremainder of said second tubular member, whereby ejection of an hygienicmedium from said 4first tubular member can be effected without bindingof the hygienic medium between said first and second tubular members.

5. The improved hygienic lapplicator of claim 3 wherein said ring iscontinuous, fabricated of paper, and is secured to the outer surface ofsaid first tubular member at the rear end thereof by adhesive means.

'6. The improved hygienic applicator of claim 3 wherein said ring iscontinuous, fabricated of paperboard, and is secured to the outersurface of said first tubular member at the rear end thereof by.adhesive means.

7. The improved hygienic applicator of claim 3 wherein said ring iscontinuous, fabricated of ru-bber, and is secured to the outer surfaceof said first tubular member at the rear end thereof by adhesive means.

8. An improved catamenial applicator for use in a catamenial device,said applicator comprising, in combination, a hollow, cylindricaltubular member adapted to contain a tampon, a second substantiallycylindrical tubular member coaXially an-d releasably disposed withinsaid first tubular member yadjacent the rear end thereof and adapted totelescope therein to eject .a tampon from the forward end of said firsttubular member, the outer surface of said second tubular member being insliding engagement with the inner surface of said first tubular member,said first tubular member having a substantially closed, generallyconically shaped, smooth surfaced forward end formed of a plurality oftightly abutting dovetailed folds adapted to unfold readily into asubstantially tubular configuration as a tampon is ejected therefromwhile maintaining the tampon in substantially unaltered form, saidsecond tubular member having a forward end portion of reduced diameterand comprising a tapered shoulder and small diameter terminus adapted toengage the rear end of the tampon for ejection thereof from said firsttubular member without binding of the tampon between said first andsecond tubular members, the inner surface of said first tubular memberand the outer surface of said second tubular member having a readilyslidable material, the wall of said first tubular member beingsufficiently thin so that normally it is readily deformable by fingerpressure during said ejection, and said conically shaped forward endbeing readily openable due to the thinness of said wall of said firsttubular member, and a substantially continuous ring disposed around saidfirst tubular member adjacent the rear end thereof and connected to theouter surface thereof, said ring being of sufficient thickness andstrength so as to increase substantially the resistance of said firsttubular member to said inward deformation while maintainingsubstantially unaltered the easy openability of said forward end of saidfirst tubular member, whereby the ease of ejection of said tampon fromsaid first tubular member is increased substantially.

I9. An improved suppository applicator for use in a suppository device,said applicator device comprising, in combination, a first generallycylindrical, thin-walled tubular member adapted to contain asuppository, a second substantially cylindrical tubular member coaXiallyand releasably -disposed within said first tubular member and adapted totelescope within said first tubular member to eject a suppository fromthe forward end of said first tubular member, the inner surface of saidfirst tubular member and the outer surface of sai-d second tubularmember being in sliding engagement and readily slidable, whereby theforce necessary to eject said suppository is reduced, said lfirsttubular memberhaving a substantially closed, generally conicallyshapedsmooth surfaced forward end formed of a plurality of tightlyabutting dove tailed folds adapted to unfold readily into asubstantially tubular configuration as a suppository is ejectedtherefrom while maintaining the suppository in substantially unalteredform, the wall of said first tubular member being sufficiently thin sothat normally it is deformable readily inwardly under finger pressureduring said ejection whereby binding between said first and said secondtubular members increases the degree of force necessary for saidejection, and said wall being sufficiently thin so as to allow saiddovetailed folds to unfold readily during said ejection, and asubstantially continuous ring disposed around said first tubular memberadjacent -the rear end thereof, said ring being of sufficient thicknessand strength so as to increase substantially the resistance of saidfirst tubular member to said inward deformation during said ejection,said second tubular member having a forward end portion of reduceddiameter having an end wall therein formed from a plurality ofdovetailed folds, said forward end being adapted to engage the rear endof a suppository for ejection thereof from said first tubular memberwithout binding of the suppository between said rst and second tubularmembers.

10. The improved catamenial applicator in accordance with claim 8wherein said first tubular member comprises a central lamination of thinpaper, a thin polyethylene film outer lamination secured to one side ofsaid paper and a thin aluminum foil inner lamination secured to theopposite side of said paper, whereinsaid second tubular member comprisesan inner lamination of thin paper, and an outer l-amination of thinpolyethylene film secured to said paper, and wherein said ring comprisespaper.

11. The improved catamenial applicator in accordance with claim 8wherein said `first tubular member comprises a central lamination ofthin paper, a thin polyethylene film outer lamination secured to oneside of said paper and a thin aluminum foilinner lamination secured tothe opposite side of said paper, wherein s-aid second tubular membercomprises an inner lamination of thin paper, and an outer lamination ofthin polyethylene film secured to 12 said paper and wherein said ringcomprises paperboard.

12. The improved catamenial applicator in accordance with claim 8wherein said rst tubular member comprises a central lamination of thinpaper, a thin polyethylene Ifilm outer lamination secured to one side ofsaid paper `and a thin aluminum foil inner lamination secured to theopposite side of said paper, wherein said second tubular membercomprises an inner lamination of thin paper, and 4an outer lamination ofthin polyethylene film to said paper and wherein said ring comprisesrubber.

13. The improved suppository applicator in accord- Kance with claim 9wherein s-aid first tubular member comprises a thin layer of paper, athin film of polyethylene plastic bonded to the outer surface of thepaper, and a thin layer of aluminum foil bonded to the inner surface ofthe paper, wherein said second tubular member comprises a thin l-ayer ofpaper and a thin layer of aluminum foil bonded to the outer surfaceofthe paper, and wherein said ring comprises paper.

14. The improved suppository applicator in accordance with claim 9wherein said first tubular member comprises a thin layer of paper, athin film of polyethylene plastic bonded to the outer surface of thepaper, and a thin layer of .aluminum foil bonded to the inner surface ofthe paper, wherein said second tubular member comprises a thin layer ofpaper and a .thin layer of aluminum foil bonded to the outer surface ofsaid paper, and wherein said ring comprises rubber.

15. The improved suppository applicator in accordance with claim 9wherein said first tubular member comprises a thin layer of paper, athin film of polyethylene plastic bonded to the outer surface of thepaper, and a thin layer of aluminum foil bonded to the inner surface ofthe paper, wherein said second tubular member comprises Ia thin layer ofpaper and a thin layer of aluminum foil bonded to the outer surface ofsaid paper, and wherein said ring comprises paperboard.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,092,427 9/1937' Ross 128--2852,413,480 12/1946 `Winter 12S-263 2,739,593 3/1956` McLaughlin 128-2633,204,635 9/1965 Voss et al 128-263 ADELE M. EAGER, Primary Examiner.

Disclaimer 3,347,234.-J0seph A. Voss, Denver, Colo. HYGIENIC DEVICES.Patent dated Oct. 17, 1967. Disclaimer filed July 17, 1974, by theassignee, Kimberly-Clark Oorpmatimz. Hereby enter-s this disclaimer toclaim 1 of said patent. [Ocz'al Gaztte Ayn-il 29, 1975.]

9. AN IMPROVED SUPPOSITORY APPLICATOR FOR USE IN A SUPPOSITORY DEVICE,SAID APPLICATOR DEVICE COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, A FIRST GENERALLYCYLINDRICAL, THIN-WALLED TUBULAR MEMBER ADAPTED TO CONTAIN ASUPPOSITORY, A SECOND SUBSTANTIALLY CYLINDRICAL TUBULAR MEMBER COAXIALLYAND RELEASABLY DISPOSED WITHIN SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER AND ADAPTED TOTELESCOPE WITHIN SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER TO EJECT A SUPPOSITORY FROMTHE OUTWARD END OF SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER, THE INNER SURFACE OF SAIDFIRST TUBULAR MEMBER AND THE OUTER SURFACE OF SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBERBEING IN SLIDING ENGAGEMENT AND READILY SLIDABLE, WHEREBY THE FORCENECESSARY TO EJECT SAID SUPPOSITORY IS REDUCED, SAID FIRST TUBULARMEMBER HAVING SUBSTANTIALLY CLOSED, GENERALLY CONCIALLY SHAPED SMOOTHSURFACED FORWARD END FORMED OF PLURALITY OF TIGHTLY ABUTTING DOVETAILEDFOLDS ADAPTED TO UNIFOLD READILY INTO SUBSTANTIALLY TUBULARCONFIGURATION AS A SUPPOSITORY IS EJECTED THEREFROM WHILE MAINTAININGTHE SUPPOSITORY IN SUBSTANTIALLY UNALTERED FORM, THE WALL OF SAID FIRSTTUBULAR MEMBER BEING SUFFICIENTLY THIN SO THAT NORMALLY IT IS DEFORMABLEREADILY INWARDLY UNDER FINGERS PRESSURE DURING SAID EJECTION WHEREBYBINDING BETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SAID SECOND TUBULAR MEMBERS INCREASE THEDEGREE OF FORCE NECESSARY FOR SAID EJECTION, AND SAID WALL BEINGSUFFICIENTLY THIN SO AS TO ALLOW SAID DOVETAILED FOLDS TO UNFOLD READILYDURING SAID EJECTION, AND A SUBSTANTIALLY CONTINUOUSLY RING DISPOSEDAROUND SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER ADJACENT THE REAR END THEREOF, SAIDRING BEING OF SUFFICIENT THICKNESS AND STRENGTH SO AS TO INCREASESUBSTANTIALLY THE RESISTANCE OF SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER TO SAID INWARDDEFORMATION DURING SAID EJECTION, SAID SECOND TUBULAR MEMBER HAVING AFORWARD END PORTION OF REDUCED DIAMETER HAVING AN END WALL THEREINFORMED FROM A PLURALITY OF DOVETAILED FOLDS, SAID FORWARD END BEINGADAPTED TO ENGAGE THE REAR END OF A SUPPOSITORY FOR EJECTING THEREOFFROM SAID FIRST TUBULAR MEMBER WITHOUT BINDING OF THE SUPPOSITORYBETWEEN SAID FIRST AND SECOCND TUBULAR MEMBERS.